For about a year now I've been wearing a SWAZI Windriver jacket for dog walks and general country knocking about. It's become my favourite jacket and I'd like to explain why.
The Windriver falls into the category of breathable windproof long-style hooded fleece jacket. There aren't too many competitors in this segment but I find it really does a range of jobs better than any other jacket. Description first : wired, removable hood, drawcord at waist, mid-thigh length, chest pocket and two very deep lower front pockets. That's about it. However it's the way it does what it does that makes it special.
Firstly it's a very nice cut - roomy but not baggy, the hood is well-fitted and moves with your head. The hood has no front flaps in the usual SWAZI style, so when the hood is down it lies very neatly. The olive colour is nice as well - not too military. My son has the black version and that also works. The long length means that over-trousers are required much less often.
Secondly, the AEGIS fabric is really windproof and that in combination with the cosiness of the fleece means this is a perfect jacket for cold damp windy days. But what surprised me was how amazingly breathable the fabric is. I have a Stoney Creek long hooded bush-shirt which I quite like, but it is somewhat clammy, whereas I have never got sweaty in the SWAZI jacket. It is by far the most breathable windproof fleece I have tried.
Thirdly it is to all intents and purposes waterproof. I have been out in a fair bit of rain in it and never got wet, although the seams are not sealed and I would expect a day of rain would leave the wearer pretty damp. However for a rainy dog walk it's fine.
Drawbacks : the deep front pockets wouldn't work with a rucksack hipbelt. It's cut long, which is great in my book, but you would have to find a long waterproof to go over it (eg a SWAZI one) if that is what you wanted to do. Also it is expensive, maybe outrageously so for a fleece, but at least it hasn't been made by Chinese children. It's quite bulky and is a jacket to wear rather than carry in a rucksack. Also of course it doesn't like sparks, but I have never managed to put a hole in any fleece of mine by sitting by a fire.
They are now available for a steep price from Tamarack and on long lead-times. It is cheaper and quicker to import them direct from SWAZI NZ and takes about 10-15 days, with no hassles. I have a pair of the matching AEGIS trousers on order.
The Windriver falls into the category of breathable windproof long-style hooded fleece jacket. There aren't too many competitors in this segment but I find it really does a range of jobs better than any other jacket. Description first : wired, removable hood, drawcord at waist, mid-thigh length, chest pocket and two very deep lower front pockets. That's about it. However it's the way it does what it does that makes it special.
Firstly it's a very nice cut - roomy but not baggy, the hood is well-fitted and moves with your head. The hood has no front flaps in the usual SWAZI style, so when the hood is down it lies very neatly. The olive colour is nice as well - not too military. My son has the black version and that also works. The long length means that over-trousers are required much less often.
Secondly, the AEGIS fabric is really windproof and that in combination with the cosiness of the fleece means this is a perfect jacket for cold damp windy days. But what surprised me was how amazingly breathable the fabric is. I have a Stoney Creek long hooded bush-shirt which I quite like, but it is somewhat clammy, whereas I have never got sweaty in the SWAZI jacket. It is by far the most breathable windproof fleece I have tried.
Thirdly it is to all intents and purposes waterproof. I have been out in a fair bit of rain in it and never got wet, although the seams are not sealed and I would expect a day of rain would leave the wearer pretty damp. However for a rainy dog walk it's fine.
Drawbacks : the deep front pockets wouldn't work with a rucksack hipbelt. It's cut long, which is great in my book, but you would have to find a long waterproof to go over it (eg a SWAZI one) if that is what you wanted to do. Also it is expensive, maybe outrageously so for a fleece, but at least it hasn't been made by Chinese children. It's quite bulky and is a jacket to wear rather than carry in a rucksack. Also of course it doesn't like sparks, but I have never managed to put a hole in any fleece of mine by sitting by a fire.
They are now available for a steep price from Tamarack and on long lead-times. It is cheaper and quicker to import them direct from SWAZI NZ and takes about 10-15 days, with no hassles. I have a pair of the matching AEGIS trousers on order.
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